Crown-placer for bottle filling and stoppering machines.



No. 637,3!6. Patented Nov. 2|, I899.

F. O. WOODLAND. GROWN PLACER FOR BOTTLE FILLING AND STOPPERING MACHlNES.

(Application filed Mar. 3, 1899.\

2 Sheets-Sheet (No Model.)

1 l I I l i I ll w: NORRIS Pz'rzws cu, vnorouma, WASHINGTON by c.

N0. 637,3I6. Patented Nov. 2|, I899.

F. 0. WOODLAND.

GROWN PLACER FOR BOTTLE FILLING AND STOPPERING MACHINES.

(Application filed Mar. 3, 1899.. Modem 2 Sheets-Sheet 2,

THE NORRIS FEIERS 00., FHOTO LITHO.. WASHINGTON, D. c.

UNTTED STATES PATENT Trice.

FRANK O. WOODLAND, OF WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS.

fiROWN-PLACER FOR BOTTLE FILLING AND STOPPERING MACHINES;

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 637,316, dated November21, 1899 Applicatio filed March 8, 1899. Serial No. 707,626. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, FRANK O. WOODLAND, a subject of the King of Swedenand Norway, residing at Worcester, in the county of Worcester and Stateof Massachusetts, have invented a new and useful Crown-Placer for BottleFilling and Stoppering Machines, of

which the following, together with the accompanying drawings, is aspecification sufficiently full, clear, and exact to enable personsskilled in the art to which this invention appertains to make and usethe same.

In the ordinary soda filling and stoppering machines of the characterreferred to the capping or seal-setting dies are so far up within thethroat or chamber that it is somewhat difficult to place the crowns inposition by hand and causes sore fingers for the attendant, While withthe filling-inlet leading into the space below said dies and theguard-gasket at the mouth of the chamber the lateral introduction of thecrowns or stoppers through the side of the collar as employed innon-filling stoppering-machines is rendered impracticable, since itinterferes with the perfect closure of the chamber, as required forfilling the bottles under pressure.

The prime object of my present invention is to provide an attachment ormeans whereby crown bottle-stoppers can be automatically introduced intothe throat-opening from below and passed upward into the head or cappingmechanism of bottle filling and stoppering machines, such as areemployed for bottling soda-waters, aerated or other liquids which it isnecessary to bottle under pressure.

Another object is to provide means for the automatic presentation of thestopper, crown, or seal beneath the collar-opening of the filling andcapping head, the elevation of said stopper, crown, or seal into thecapping-on dies above the filling-inlet, and the retraction of thecrown-carrier mechanism to its original position during the interval ofinterchange of the bottles; also, to provide a means for putting thecrown-placing mechanism into action by the act of removinga bottle frombeneath the filling and capping head.

Another object is to provide a spring-actu ated crown-placing mechanismfor the purpose specified, comprising a system of primary and secondaryactuating-springs and controlling-clutches and in which the setting orstrain of the superior spring is effected by the movement of thebottle-capping head as the filling and stoppering operations areperformed.

Another object is to provide a carrier mechanism adapted forautomatically receiving the stoppers, crowns, or seals from a feed-chuteand transferring the same into the throat or die opening of thebottle-stoppering head.

Minor objects and features of my invention are explained in thefollowing detailed description, the particular subject-matter claimedbeing hereinafter definitelyspecified.

The above-noted objects I attain by mechanism the nature and operationof which is descriptively set forth, and illustrated in the drawings,wherein Figure 1 represents a vertical sectional View of an automaticcrown-placing mechanism embodying my invention, shown as applied to usein connection with a well-known form of bottle-filling and crown-cappingmechanism, said section being taken on line X X, Fig. 2, looking in thedirection indicated by the arrow. Fig. 1 represents a vertical sectionof a portion of the reciprocating memher or main rod, showing a catchdevice for engaging the spring head or slide thereon. Fig. 2 is a planview of the mechanism, partly in section. Fig. 3 is an elevation viewshowing the carrier and the devices for holding the crowns orbottle-stoppers thereon. Fig. 4 is a side view of the carrier-head inconjunction with the end of a feed-chute for delivering the crowns,seals or stoppers to said carrier. Fig. 5 is a bottom view of the sameparts as embraced in Fig. 4.

My invention comprises a carrier or means for receiving the stopper,crown, or seal at a position exterior to the bottle-filling andcapping-on mechanism and actuating means for automatically impartingmotion to the carrier devices for carrying the same beneath the collaror opening of the filling-chamber and capping-dies, then elevating thecarrier in a man nor to efiect the introduction of the stopper, crown,or seal upward through the throat or collar-opening into the interiorchamber and to place the same in position within the dies, which areabove the filling-inlet and in proper position for receiving and cappingonto a bot- IOO tle, and then to cause said carrier to descend out ofthe bottling mechanism and return to its original position ready forreceiving another stopper, crown, or seal thereon. This inserting andplacing operation is preferably performed during the time occupied bythe attendant in the act-of removing the filled and stoppered bottle andreplacing it by an empty bottle.

For producing motion of the carrier I employ a system of differentialsprings arranged for the reactive movement of a reciprocative member towhich the carrier is operatively connected, which springs are controlledby suitably-arranged stops, catches, or let-off devices, and by asetting appliance operated by the movement of the bottle-capping headwhen clenching the crown orseal to the bottle.

Referring to the drawings, A denotes a reciprocating rod or membermovable up and down through the bearings a a, and in the presentinstance inclosed within a tubular housing or frame B. Combined withthis'rod or reciprocating memberA there are arranged two springs O andD, in the present instance coiled around the rod and acting against acentral collar E, fixed on said rod to effect movement of the rod andits connections.

The spring 0, which is above the collar E, is made of sufficientlysuperior power and tension to overcome or dominate the power and tensionof the spring D, which is below the collarE; but saidinferiorspringhassufficient power to move the mechanism when the domination of thesuperior spring is repressed. The inferior spring effects primary actionand the superior spring effects secondary ac tion or reaction.

The spring D seats against a lower stationary bearing, as a, and acts byits expansive force against the collar E. The spring C seats against aring or sleeve F, that is movable on or independent of the red A andwhich is adapted for engagement with a catch device G, arranged in orupon said rod for normally retaining the spring under compression. Acatch or dog I is connected with the arm H, which dog works through alongitudinal slot in the side of the inclosing tubeB and serves forengaging with the sleeve F and for compressing the spring after thelatter has been released from the catch G. When the inclosing tube isdepressed to a degree that brings the ring I below the dog I, the lattersnaps over the edge of said ring, retaining the same and causing thecompression of the spring as the tube and rod rise, bringing the catch Ginto conjunctive relation with the ring F. The dog I is provided withlugs 2', that contact with inclined projecting surfaces 1, formed on theexterior of the tube B for throwing off the catch I or releasing itsheld from the ring F immediately after the latter has passed beneath theretainiugcatch G, thetwo catches acting at their position of coincidinglevel relation to transfer the strain of the compressed spring 0 fromcontrol of the dog I to catch G.

The reciprocating member or red is provided with a slot or groove J,that engages with a pin or stud J, fixed in the bearingframe,throughwhich the member moves, and said slot is made on a curve or incline at aportion of its length, as J for giving a partial rotative movement tothe member A as it reciprocates endwise.

13' indicates a bar or plate that forms a stop and rest for the movableparts and which is preferably provided with a cushion-seat b andadjusting-screw b for regulating the seating position.

13 is a vertical bar that serves as a guide for the arm II and a supportfor the foot-piece B. Said vertical bar B can in some instances bedispensed with or substituted by any equivalent guide device.

The rod A is provided with a flange or catch-button a that engagesbeneath a laterally-swinging latch-lever L for retaining thereciprocating member at depressed position, as shown in Fig. 1, which isthe normal nonactive position of the mechanism. A returnspring L and aback-stop L are provided for this latch-lever L.

A crown-carrier M is attached to the reciprocating member Abya suitablearm M, provided with an upright rod or finger M having on its top end adevice or plate mofsuitable structure and size for receiving andsupporting a single crown cap or stopper in position for insertionupward into the chamber of the capping and filling machine. In thepresent instance the carrier is adapted for receiving crownsautomatically from a deliverychute or feeding mechanism, which feedingmechanism may be of the character heretofore employed for sorting,arranging, and delivering crown-stoppers to non-fillingbottle-stoppering machines. The end of such feed-delivery chute, asadapted for my improved mechanism, is shown at N, Figs. 2, 4, and 5, thecarrier being shown adjacent thereto and at position for receiving acrown S therefrom. \Vhen designed for thus automatically receiving andconveying the crowns, the carrier is provided with a sliding head mmovable on the finger M beneath the plate m, and supported atnormally-elevated position by an expanding spring m coiled about thefinger-pin Mias indicated. Said sliding head is furnished with astop-finger 0 and a projecting detent it, having a downwardly-inclinedsurface, and a pair of laterally-movable jaws 5 are pivoted at P to saidsliding head, which jaws extend above the edges of the plate m, thejaw-faces being properly formed for embracing the edges ofthe crown S.Said jaws are normally pressed inward by a suitable spring 6, arrangedbetween the depending arms 7 of the jaws, while other depending arms orcontact-lugs 8 on said jaws are fitted with suitable surfaces forcontact when the carrier approaches the chute, with inclinedcontact-lugs 9 fixed on the chute N. The jaws 5 are best furnished withprotecting-tips t to strike the under face of the capping-machine collarat K. The chute is provided with a suitable stop device for arresting orcontrolling the movement of the crowns therein, said device, as shown,consisting of a lever N having a prong that extends into the chute, asindicated in'Fig. 4-. Said lever is normally held upward by a spring ubut its fore end is adapted to become depressed for releasing the crownby the inclined surface and contact of the projection n on the carrierwhen the latter approaches the chute.

In some instances the carrier M can be loaded by placing the crowns Sthereon by hand during the time that a bottle is being filled and whilethe carrier stands at convenient position away from the head. Themechanism may be made to swing the carrier to the right or to the left,accordingly as desired by shaping the slot J with right or leftinclination, the actuating-springs being the same in their essentialoperations in either case.

The arm H and its standard H are in fixed relation to the base or tableof the bottlingmachine, while the crown-placer mechanism is supportedupon the capping-head K of the bottle filling and stoppering machine,which moves up and down in relation to the bed or table.

The mechanism embraced in the structure of the filling and capping headK is not of my invention, but is herein shown somewhat in detail inorder to afford a full understanding of my combination therewith ofmeans for placing crowns or seal-stoppers within the same.

In the filling and capping head K the parts are of usual or suitableform and arrangement, T indicating the throatway or chamber into whichthe head of the bottle is introduced for filling and capping or sealing.

U indicates the elastic guard-gasket for closure around the bottle-neck,V the supply-inlet, and W the crown-setting dies into which the crownsor seals are required to be placed previous to the introduction of theneck of the bottle into the throatway for filling.

The means for controlling the supply of liquid-and for moving the headof the machine being well known, the operation, so far as therequirements of such mechanism are concerned, will be understood.

The operation of my crown-placer mechanism is as follows: Assuming thatrod A and springs O and D are at positions as shown in Fig. 1, bothsprings being then under strain or compressed, a crown-stopper S isloaded upon the carrier M. The attendant then swings back the let-offlatch or lever L,which is in practice effected by the act of removingthe previously filled and stoppered bottle from beneath thefilling-head. The movement of the lever L from the button a releases therod A, and the force of the spring D, acting against the collar E,instantly throws said rod and parts connected therewith upward to theposition indicated by dotted lines, Fig. 1. The pin J, actinginconjunction with the twisted form of the upper part J 2 of the slot orgroove J, causes partial rotation of said rod suflicient to swing thecarrier during the first part of the upper movement from its primalposition to a position approximately central beneath the head K and itsthroat T, so that the further movement elevates the finger M andcarrier-plate m into the chamber, (see dotted lines, Fig. 1,) therebyplacing the crown, seal, or stopper S within the capping-dies, asindicated at S where it is temporarily retained by the usualspring-catches provided at that position. As the carrier enters thethroatway T the projecting ends 25 of the jaws 5 come into contact withthe face of the collar K, thereby arresting the upward movement of theslide m and opening said jaws to release the crown, the slide and jaws,by compression of the spring at, remaining outside,while thecarrier-finger M and platemelevate the crown to its proper place andposition within the throat or chamber, to be there grasped by the catchdevices. When the reciprocating rod or member A reaches its highposition, the catch G, which holds the tension-sleeve F, runs into thebearing-ring or against a suitable trip provided therefor, causing theretraction of said catch and the release of the superior spring 0 foraction. Said spring instantly overcomes the force of the inferior springD and throws the rod A and carrier M downward and back to their primalpositions, also at the same time compressing the spring D. As the rodreaches its low position it is arrested by the foot-stop b, and thelever L, controlled by its reactingspring L, swings into engagement withthe button a for retaining the mechanism at set position. Thereciprocating rod and carrier are now at their normal position, but thespring 0 is expanded and its sleeve F rests against the upper stop orbearing. The resetting of spring 0 is then accomplished by the cappingmovement, thus: WVhen the bottle has been placed and filled, themachinehead K is depressed for securing the crown or seal to the bottle,and the bearing-frame or inclosing tube B moves downward with the headK, while the standard and arm H remain stationary. This has the effectof bringing the latch-dog I above the sleeve F, upon which it engages.Then as the head K and frame B are again elevated the stationary arm Hand catch-dog I cause the retention or relative depression of thesliding sleeve F, thereby compressing the spring 0 until -the edge ofthe sleeve passes beneath the catch G, which snaps into position forretaining the spring set. At the same time the lugs i of the catch-dog Irun onto the inclined carnsurfaces 1, thereby throwing the catch-dogclear from the sleeve, but leaving the spring held in compress by thecatch G, as shown. The mechanism is then in condition for repeating theoperation as the attendant removes the recently-stoppered bottle frombeneath the head K, and thereby again moves the lever L.

If the carrier is to be loaded by hand, the attendant places a crown Sthereon while the bottle is becoming filled; but if the loading isautomatically effected, then as the carrier swings back to the end ofthe chute F the lugs 8 run onto the inclined lugs 9, thus overcoming thespring 6 and effecting the opening of jaws 5 for receiving a crown fromthe feed-chute. At the same time the incline on the projecting detent07/ operates the lever stop device N allowing a crown to pass from thechute onto the carrier M. The jaws 5 are freed from the influence oflugs 9 the inst-ant the carrier starts away from the chute and areclosed upon the edges of the crown by the action of spring 6.

From the foregoing it will be seen that I have produced a crown-placingmechanism that can be incorporated with or attached to bottle fillingand closing machines employing crowns, caps, or seals that areintroduced from below the chamber without requiring special alterationof the filling or closing devices of the machines themselves; also, ameans by which the crowns can be quickly and conveniently injectedthrough the regular throatway from an exterior position and into thesecuring-dies, and the carrier retracted out of the way of the bottlewithout loss of time-in the bottling operations, without inconvenience,and with a saving of labor to the attendant.

What I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. The combination with mechanism for filling and closing bottles; ofacrown-placing carrier adapted for supporting a crown bottle-stopper,said carrier being movable into and from the throatway of thefilling-chamber,axially from beneath the collar,and means for advancing,elevating and retracting said carrier, substantially as set forth.

2. The combination with the bottlingmachine head having thefilling-inlet passage, the crown-setting dies,and the gasket-guardedthroatway; of a carrier comprising an arm or finger fitted forsupporting a crown bottlestopper, and adapted for projectively movinginto and from said throatway-passage and coacting with saidcrown-setting dies in the transfer of a crown or stopper thereinto, asupport for said carrier-arm, and means for automatically advancing andretracting the carrier, for the purpose set forth.

3. A crown placer mechanism for bottle filling and stoppering machines,comprising;

in combination with a suitable attachingframe, a reciprocating rod ormember provided with an arm, a carrier for the stoppers, crowns or sealssupported on said arms, two oppositely-actuating springs for said rods,one an elevating-spring of moderate tension, the other adepressing-spring of superior tension,

an abutting sleeve for said latter spring sliding on said rod, aspring-controlling catch carried by said rod, a rod-retaining and letofflatch, and a spring-setting device actuated by movement of the bottlinghead or frame, for the purposes set forth.

4. In a crown-placing mechanism, the combination, with a reciprocatingmember having the crown-carrier attached thereto, of an elevating-springand a depressing-spring, of differential strengths or tension for movingsaid memberin opposite directions,and means for compressing andreleasing said springs.

5. In a crown-placing mechanism for the purpose set forth, thecombination of an endwise movable rod or member having the crown-carrierconnected thereto, a slot or groove in said rod having a curved portion,a pin fixed in the bearing-frame and engag= ing in said slot, and meansfor reciprocating said rod.

6. In a crown-placing mechanism for the purpose set forth, thecombination of an endwise movable rod or member having the crown-carrierconnected therewith, a support for said rod having upper andlowerbearing, a central collar fixed to said rod, a spring between saidcollar and lower bearing, a sleeve or abutment ring sliding on said rodadjacent to the upper bearing, a superior spring between said collar andsleeve, a catch device carried on said rod and engageable with saidsleeve, said catch retractable by contact with an upper stop or bearing,for the purpose set forth.

7. In a crown-placing mechanism for the purpose set forth; thecombination with an endwise-movable rod or member having thecrown-carrier connected therewith; of a supporting-frame provided withupper andlower bearings through which said rod reciprocates, springs forelevating and depressing said rod, a foot-stop for arresting thedownward movement of said rod, and a retaining-latch or let-offengageable with said rod at its depressed position.

8. In a crown-placing mechanism for the purpose set forth, thecombination with an attachable supporting-frame, of a verticallymovablerod or member, a horizontally-projecting arm-rigidly attached to saidrod and having an upright portion provided at its top with a carrierplate or device adapted for supporting a stopper, crown or seal, meansfor imparting upward and downward movement and partial lateral rotationto said rod and arm for swinging said carrier device beneath, into andfrom the capping-head of a bottle-stoppering machine.

9. In a crown-placing mechanism for the purpose speeified,thecombination,ofacrowncarrier comprising a rod or finger adapted forendwise upright entrance into the cappingmachine throat, and for thediskwise support of a crown or bottle-stopper upon its end face, and amovable jaw or retractable means for IIC temporarily retaining thecrowns at position upon said carrier end while projecting the same tothe throatway.

10. A carrier for crown bottle-stoppers,con1- prising a finger or rodhaving a tip end plate adapted for seating a crown thereon, a head orslide mounted on said rod adjacent thereto, an expanding springsupporting said slide, grip-jaws mounted on said slide and projectingabove the end plate for holding the crowns, a jaw-closing spring, andcontact-lugs at counter position to said spring adapted for opening saidjaws.

11. In a mechanism for introducing stoppers, crowns or seals intobottle-filling and bottle-stoppering machines, the combination, with thefilling or capping head of a carrier mechanism adapted for projectingthe stopper, crown or seal into the throat and placing it within thecapping-dies, said carrier provided with retractable jaws or holdingdevices adapted to be arrested and opened by contact with the collar orface of the filling and capping head, and means for automatically movingsaid carrier to and from said head, for the purpose set forth.

12. In a mechanism for placing stoppers, crowns or seals in bottlefilling and stoppering machines, the combination with the movablefilling and capping head and crown-placing device, comprising theendWise-movable rod, a carrier attached thereto, and actuatingspringsarranged on said rod; of a tubular bearing-supporting frame attached tothe movable filling and capping head, its tubular part inclosing saidrod and springs.

13. In a mechanism for placing crowns, in combination, with the movablecapping-head, the carrier, the endwise-movable rod, itsactuating-springs, and the frame of tubular form inclosiug said rod andsprings; a stationary member provided with a movable catch-dog extendingthrough a slot in said tube, for engaging and compressing the "inclosedspring by upward movement of said capping-head, a projecting lug on saidcatchdog, and an incline or cam surface on the tubular frame forthrowing off said catch-dog when at normal elevated position.

14. The combination with a bottle-filling or bottle-capping mechanism, acrown-placing carrier adapted for inserting stoppers crowns or sealsthereinto, and an automatic actuating mechanism for operating saidcarrier; of a starter or cast-off lever disposed adjacent to theexit-path and adapted for operation by contact with the bottle as it isremoved from beneath the capping-head.

15. The combination with a bottle-filling or bottle-stopperin gmechanism, a feed-delivery chute for the stoppers, crowns or seals, andan automatically-actuated carrier adapted for receiving the stoppers,crowns or seals from said chute, passing the same beneath thefilling-head, and elevating the same through the throatway t0 thecapping-dies, and means for automatically actuating said carrier.

16. The combination, withabottle-stoppen ing machine a delivery or feedchute, and a stop device Ior arresting the crowns at the mouth of saidchute; of a swinging crown placing carrier for transferring andintroducing crowns or bottle-stoppers to the machinethroatway, saidcarrier being adapted to move into conjunction with said feed-chute, andprovided with a detent that effects retraction of said stop device whensaid carrier approaches the feed-chute, for the purpose set forth.

Witness my hand this 1st day of March,

FRANK O. WOODLAND. Witnesses:

CHAS. I-I. BURLEIGH, HORATIO GATES.

